According to recent statistics, data breaches have become common in today's digital world. In fact, it is estimated that more than 111.7 million Americans have their personal information exposed to data breaches every year. Whether it's a major retailer, a subscription service, or another online platform, the risk of a data breach is a reality that we all face.1 Names, email addresses, passwords, and other sensitive information are being swept up...

Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We’ve pulled together answers to 10 questions our clients ask most frequently regarding Social Security. If you are nearing retirement, this Q&A is designed to help you better understand what to expect from Social Security. 1....

Attention Parents and Grandparents of College-Bound Students: FAFSA Gets an Overhaul Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education is calling it the “most ambitious and significant redesign of the federal student aid application in decades” and adds that it “includes unprecedented changes to how students and families apply...

Money Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for college-bound children, is the money talk. Having open and honest discussions about finances can help shape your child’s long-term relationship with money, which might set them...

Don't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent issue that can compromise your financial health and personal identity. Phishing is a deceptive practice employed by hackers to trick you into divulging sensitive personal or account data, often via...

Recent numbers are now in, with good news to share -- most disciplined investors have been richly rewarded for sticking with their appropriate investment allocations. Even had quarterly and year-to-date numbers not been so sweet, we would have advised you to remain invested as planned. The same can be said for whatever the rest of the year has in store. We know markets have delivered positive returns over time, but we...

How the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans Changes to 529 Plans in the SECURE 2.0 Act The SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of retirement legislation since the 2006 Pension Protection Act. Congress came together to pass SECURE 2.0 at the end of 2022 to...

Health Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement Considerations What if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may cover only a portion of the cost. If you're well past the braces stage, what if you or a loved one needs extended care, which almost 70% of those turning 65 today are expected...

Top 7 Most Common Estate Strategy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) Getting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. However, not preparing for the transfer of your assets can lead to confusion, potential family disputes, and outcomes that don’t align with your ultimate wishes. Creating a financial strategy that considers...

Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes. One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is a living trust. A living trust can provide a flexible and efficient way to manage assets during your lifetime and after your death, but it’s important to understand how it works...